Occupancy sensors use different technologies — including passive infrared (PIR), ultrasonic and microwave — to detect the presence or absence of occupants in a space.

What’s PIR sensor?

Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors work by detecting the presence of heat energy in confined spaces. Though used in a slightly different way for lighting applications, it’s the same core technology found in thermal imaging devices, advanced telescopes, night vision equipment and a host of other innovative tools.

Affordable and simple to install, PIR sensors are a versatile control type that can work in a wide variety of everyday settings, including single-use bathrooms, meeting rooms and storage areas. However, one drawback is that PIR sensors require a direct line of sight between the sensor and any motion in order to function properly. Because of this, it’s best to use them sparingly in open spaces, as well as areas that are restricted by barriers, walls or other large objects.

PIR sensors are very suitable for enclosed spaces, wall-switch replacements, high-ceiling areas, spaces with high air flow, areas with direct line-of-sight viewing, and spaces in which it is necessary to mask unwanted detection in certain areas. Examples of these spaces include private offices, lobbies, warehouse aisles, hallways, computer rooms, laboratories, library book stacks, conference rooms, storage closets and outdoor spaces.

Issues that might complicate their application include low levels of motion by occupants, obstacles blocking the sensor’s view, and sensors mounted on sources of vibration or within 6-8 feet of air diffusers.

What’s Ultrasonic sensors?

Ultrasonic sensors, meanwhile, are highly suitable for spaces in which a line of sight is not possible, such as partitioned spaces, and in spaces requiring a higher level of sensitivity. Examples of such spaces include restrooms, open offices, enclosed hallways and stairways.

An Ultrasonic sensor is a device that can measure the distance to an object by using sound waves. It measures distance by sending out a sound wave at a specific frequency and listening for that sound wave to bounce back. By recording the elapsed time between the sound wave being generated and the sound wave bouncing back, it is possible to calculate the distance between the sonar sensor and the object.

15 Applications Using Ultrasonic Sensors:

Loop control

Roll diameter, tension control, winding and unwind

Liquid level control

Thru beam detection for high-speed counting

Full detection

Thread or wire break detection

Robotic sensing

Stacking height control

45° Deflection; inkwell level detection; hard to get at places

People detection for counting

Contouring or profiling using ultrasonic systems

Vehicle detection for car wash and automotive assembly

Irregular parts detection for hoppers and feeder bowls

Presence detection

Box sorting using multi-transducer ultrasonic monitoring system

Issues that might complicate their application include: ceilings higher than 14 feet; high levels of vibration or air flow, which can cause nuisance switching; and open spaces that require selective coverage, such as control of individual warehouse aisles.

What’s Microwave sensors?

A microwave sensor is an electronic device that detects motion, and can be used to control luminaires. Microwaves operate differently to PIR sensors, by projecting microwaves, which bounce off surfaces and return to a sensor within the detector. By analysing this information the sensor can detect any movements within its range and do all this in less than a microsecond.

Microwave sensors that are more advanced can also detect whether an individual is moving towards or away from the sensor, or moving randomly. There are ways that some trained individuals could potentially move to avoid detection by a motion sensor.

What Are the Benefits of a Microwave Motion Sensor?

Microwave detectors can be used in virtually any environment, including those that are not otherwise hospitable to sensors, such as high heat environments that can set of photo-electric sensors. This makes them one of the most versatile types of sensor system.

Microwave detectors can go through walls and holes. Because of this they can cover a larger area of a home or commercial property, including fairly large outdoor areas. Because of this, they’re usually good for those who need to secure large areas of land.

Microwave detectors can be programmed in a way to reduce the amount of false alarms without having to reduce the amount of correct positives, therefore improving accuracy while also improving upon ease of use.

Micowave detectors are generally less expensive to purchase, even though they may be more expensive to run. They are one of the simplest systems to purchase, and also one of the oldest technologies i use.

microwave detectors also have some negatives. They do have a number of false alarms, as things such as drapery moving could potentially cause problems. The sensors require a continuous power draw, so they may be expensive to run. They also only work at intervals rather than working continuously, by sending out signals and then receiving them. That means that someone moving fast enough could potentially evade detection.

What’s the difference between the PIR and Microwave sensor?

There Are Some Major Specific Differences Between The Microwave Sensors And The PIR Sensors:

Generally, microwave sensors have much better sensibility compared to the PIR sensors.

Microwave sensors can also perform well if there is any metalloid barrier, which the PIR sensors cannot.

Moreover, the sensibility of PIR sensors is also compromised if the ambient temperature is more than 35 Celsius.

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